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Observation Point (Zion National Park)

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1,983m elevation Navajo Sandstone feature
Observation Point
Observation Point seen from Angels Landing Trail
Highest point
Elevation6,507 ft (1,983 m)
Parent peakObservation Benchmark (6708 ft)
Isolation0.12 mi (0.19 km)
Coordinates37°16′42″N 112°56′25″W / 37.278232°N 112.940381°W / 37.278232; -112.940381
Geography
Observation Point is located in UtahObservation PointObservation PointLocation of Observation Point in UtahShow map of UtahObservation Point is located in the United StatesObservation PointObservation PointObservation Point (the United States)Show map of the United States
CountryUnited States
StateUtah
CountyWashington
Protected areaZion National Park
Parent rangeColorado Plateau
Topo mapUSGS Temple of Sinawava
Geology
Rock ageJurassic
Rock typeNavajo sandstone
Climbing
Easiest routeclass 1 hiking trail

Observation Point is a 6,507-foot (1,983 m) elevation Navajo Sandstone feature located in Zion National Park, in Washington County of southwest Utah, United States. Observation Point is situated at the north end of Zion Canyon, towering 2,100 feet (640 meters) above the canyon floor and the North Fork of the Virgin River which drains precipitation runoff from this viewpoint. A popular 8-mile round-trip trail climbs from the Weeping Rock trailhead along Zion Canyon Road to reach the top. Neighbors visible from the point include The Great White Throne, Cathedral Mountain, Angels Landing, and Cable Mountain. This geographical feature's name was officially adopted in 1934 by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.

Climate

Spring and fall are the most favorable seasons to visit Observation Point. According to the Köppen climate classification system, it is located in a Cold semi-arid climate zone, which is defined by the coldest month having an average mean temperature below 32 °F (0 °C), and at least 50% of the total annual precipitation being received during the spring and summer. This desert climate receives less than 10 inches (250 millimeters) of annual rainfall, and snowfall is generally light during the winter.

Gallery

  • View from Observation Point looking southwest down Zion Canyon View from Observation Point looking southwest down Zion Canyon
  • Enjoying the view from Observation Point, white cliffs of Cathedral Mountain to right Enjoying the view from Observation Point, white cliffs of Cathedral Mountain to right
  • Observation Point from Angels Landing Observation Point from Angels Landing
  • Cathedral Mountain (left) from the trail, with Observation Point upper right Cathedral Mountain (left) from the trail, with Observation Point upper right
  • Observation Point from Cable Mountain Observation Point from Cable Mountain
  • Observation Point from southeast Observation Point from southeast
  • Panoramic view from Observation Point Panoramic view from Observation Point
  • Observation Point detail Observation Point detail
  • Angels Landing and Observation Point from Zion Lodge Angels Landing and Observation Point from Zion Lodge
  • Observation Point left of center Observation Point left of center
  • Observation Point seen from Angels Landing Observation Point seen from Angels Landing
  • Clockwise from top: Lady Mountain, Cathedral Mountain, Angels Landing, The Organ, The Great White Throne, Red Arch Mountain. Clockwise from top: Lady Mountain, Cathedral Mountain, Angels Landing, The Organ, The Great White Throne, Red Arch Mountain.
  • Observation Point covered with winter snow Observation Point covered with winter snow
  • Observation Benchmark seen from Temple of Sinawava Observation Benchmark seen from Temple of Sinawava
  • Observation Point to left Observation Point to left

See also

References

  1. ^ "Observation Point, Utah". Peakbagger.com.
  2. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Observation Point
  3. Erik Molvar and Tamara Martin, Hiking Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, Second Edition, Globe Pequot Press, 2005, page 56.
  4. "Zion National Park, Utah, USA - Monthly weather forecast and Climate data". Weather Atlas. Archived from the original on January 27, 2019. Retrieved 31 August 2020.

External links

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